“For extremely meritorious service in support of military operations against enemy forces off San Remo, Italy and Port Maurizio, Italy, September 1944. Operating in bold defiance of enemy coastal batteries and further menaced by submarines, E-boats, explosive boats, human torpedoes and midget submarines, the USS HILARY P. JONES battered the enemy shipping and ground facilities with undiminished fury to neutralize or destroy German emplacements; she disrupted hostile troop concentrations; demolished ammunition and fuel supply dumps; and sank or damaged innumerable small craft and barges. Manned by a daring and skilled ship’s company, the HILARY P. JONES, by her unremitting efforts in face of grave peril, established a noteworthy combat record which enhanced the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”